Mar 07 2013

Ireland’s Best Treks And Walks

A Guide To Ireland’s Best Treks And Walks

Ireland, the green and pleasant land that it is, is the perfect place for walking and trekking enthusiasts and there are numerous wonderful places to take a trip to if you want to get out and about.

Ireland’s sparse population density and beautiful scenery combine to ensure that there are rural walks galore. Whether it’s a day walk or a two week walking holiday you’d prefer, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at some of the best.

Kerry Way

hiker reaches a fork in the trail

Walk this Way in Ireland.

This is one of the most popular walking treks in the country and understandably so as the area is stunning. The area takes in droving paths, as well as the Iveragh Peninsula and there is much sub-tropical plants and fauna to note and it makes for an interesting ecosphere. The area also hosts a number of great historical sights too, including the home of Irish revolutionary Daniel O’Connell.

Connemara Way

This walking trek is quite short at just under 50 miles and starts at Oughterard and stretches to West Port in Mayo. Connemara is one of the most rustic and also the quietest areas of the country and takes in some of the area’s most amazing scenery. From bog lands, shadowed by quartz peaks, to the beautiful coast line, this is a wonderful walk for those wanting to get to grips with Ireland – however they will also have to take account of the rainfall.

Dingle Way

This is one of the longer national routes in Ireland and stretches for 112 miles. The walk is however worth it if you have the fitness and includes a 1200 feet descent across the shoulder of the Brandon Mountain, along the side of Slieve Mish, which is positioned beside the Atlantic Ocean. The area is filled with Celtic history and the remnants of Ireland’s rich past. From Beehive huts to Megalitic tombs, the area is wealthy in culture. It’s also far into the Gulf Stream and so white sandy beaches and all sorts of tropical fauna and flora are everywhere.

Wicklow Way

This walk is situated in the east of the country, not far from Dublin and is around 83miles long. The trail includes the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the beautiful Glendalough – a beautiful early Christian settlement. The area of Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and is filled with lush greenery and beautiful valleys – well worth the walk.

Antrim Hills Way

This walk is situated in Northern Ireland and is a short one of just over 20 miles. It’s a moss filled, sheep grazing trek that will take you across old roads in fields and along the Antrim coastline taking in the Giant’s Causeway, the seabird colony at Rathlin Island and a number of other amazing sights along the way.

Ireland offers so much as a walking destination, so pack your shoes and your rain coat and take a trip.

Cormac Reynolds has written numerous articles on Ireland and elsewhere. He is a lover of walking and the countryside and writes this article for www.dubaishortstay.com/

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/07/irelands-best-treks-and-walks/

Mar 04 2013

Avoiding Injuries While Barefoot Running On Trails

We continue our Trail Safety & Trail comfort series on Trailsnet.com with:

Avoiding Injuries While Barefoot Running On Trails

Studies show that up to 80% of runners suffer injuries that keep them off the trails for a month or more, so it’s no surprise that preventing injuries is a popular topic in the running community. Runners look for better techniques, better stretches and even better shoes to reduce the time spent nursing an injury. Some runners want to try running barefoot because it seems more natural, but others have heard it can help reduce stress on the feet and legs. It’s important to beware, however, that many injuries occur to barefoot runners, too.

Running Shoes

boys running on trails

trail running

The most important thing to remember about getting started running without traditional shoes is to introduce running barefoot or in minimal shoes gradually. Running with minimal footwear encourages a safer midfoot or forefoot landing pattern, but can cause stress fractures or Achilles tendon injuries in people who are accustomed to striking their heel first. These injuries can be prevented by not making a sudden change to barefoot styles, rather adding distance and speed slowly. Plantar fasciitis is also common for runners who don’t gradually go from traditional shoes to minimal footwear.

There is a tendency to feel like there shouldn’t be a difference in your abilities just because you changed shoes, and if you can run 10 miles of trails in traditional shoes today, then you should be able to run 10 miles in barefoot running shoes tomorrow. This approach stems from a lack of understanding about the differences and the advantages of running barefoot.

Barefoot Running

In fact, those new to barefoot running and concerned about injuries probably shouldn’t be on trails at all. Barefoot trail running requires the body to react instinctively in several ways that do not fully develop without several months of barefoot running on flat surfaces.

As you become accustomed to running on asphalt or concrete trails in a barefoot running shoe, you will step on small pebbles and other items that require you to shift your weight quickly to the other foot. This skill is used extensively in trail running, where almost every stride involves the foot landing on an uneven surface.

Trail Running

When trail running, a runner has to visualize the trail in front of him and where his feet need to land. Are there obstacles you will need to clear? Is there rough terrain to avoid? Preparing yourself for a difference in gait with every step is necessary in trail running, no matter what shoes you are wearing. Most runners do this automatically, but it is more difficult barefoot because your stride length and foot placement vary from what you are accustomed to in traditional shoes. These skills will also come naturally as you spend more and more time in your barefoot running shoe.

Once you are ready to begin training barefoot on trails, it is best to begin with barefoot trail walking. From there, slowly mix in short bursts of jogging. Resist the urge of your usual speed or distance. Instead, continue adding speed and distance slowly and methodically until you are running your usual trails barefoot.

Author bio:

Golden Harper is a previous all American runner who founded Altra Zero Drop Footwear, a company run by passionate individuals committed to helping running enthusiasts achieve their dreams through biomechanically proper footwear. You can check the company’s updates and their latest in their blog.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/04/avoiding-injuries-while-barefoot-running-on-trails/

Mar 01 2013

Protecting Yourself from Pests While On the Trail

Trail Pests

Pests come in all shapes & sizes.

Flying Pest

Pests are obnoxious interlopers that can be difficult to eradicate in any home; but what can you do to prevent them when you’re not in your home but in theirs?  Camping, hiking or other outdoor explorations put you right in contact with many pests, from mosquitoes to ticks, bed bugs, ants and raccoons—even to large furry pests known to many campers as bears.  So how do you protect yourself and your home (as some of these pests might tag along for an unwanted invitation) from pests while out in the wilderness?

How to Dress on the Trail

The first step you can take to prevent pests from setting up their own camp is to protect your body from them.  This can be done in several ways; the first is to dress for protection.  While it might not always be the most stylish, high socks, pants and long sleeves help prevent a lot of pests from hitching a ride on your limbs.  This is especially crucial if you’re hiking or camping in areas with tall grass as that’s where many of these pests like to hang out and make an easy transition to your ankles.  You can also use screens and netting to prevent mosquitoes from biting your face and neck.  Depending on the region and weather, it might not always be an option to cover yourself from head to toe in clothes or netting; in those cases, sprays and other repellents are your only defense.

Are Insect Repellents Safe?

Insect repellents, in oils, lotions or sprays, can be great defenses against pests—clothing is still the best—however, some of these repellents, like DDT, have very hazardous effects on people and should be used in moderation.  Because of the toxins inherent to these insect repellents, it might be a good idea to investigate in some natural bug repellents, many of which can be made from ingredients in your home.  Ingesting apple cider vinegar, B vitamins and lots of garlic on a daily basis has been said to help repel mosquitoes as your body creates an odor they find unpleasant—but that offense might also include people in your camping party.  You can find several recipes for herbal remedies online or try making your own out of some essential oils, vinegar, vegetable oil and aloe.  Add anywhere from 10-12 drops of the scent for each ounce of aloe and two ounces of vegetable oil; rub onto your exposed skin, especially the back of the neck and the wrists.  An alternative spray can be made out of scent and a quarter-cup apple cider vinegar.  Some of the most effective scents include lavender, peppermint, rose and lemon—which reproduces the scent found in Citronella candles.  Smoke is also a very effective bug repellant, making roaring campfires not only fun but functional.

Avoiding Pests While on the Trail

Of course, one of the best ways to defend yourself from these trail pests is to know where they tend to live and how best to avoid them.  Ticks and bed bugs love tall grasses and dense forests—they love to hide in dark, hairy places on your body too, like inside the folds of your ears, armpits and other places with dense hair.  Mosquitoes, and most other pests, love stagnant or standing water and can lay their nests shortly after rainfall.  That said: avoid pitching your tent in these two areas if and when possible.  You can also try to use the breeze to your advantage as it makes it harder for flying insects to land on your skin and food.

Campsite Etiquette

Keeping your campsite clean and your food protected is another useful way to prevent unwanted pests, especially of the larger variety.  Rodents, raccoons and bears—as well as ants and flies—are highly sensitive and attracted to human food and will love nothing more than to tear into your food stores.  By keeping food zipped up and sealed you can prevent their aromas from alerting local critters; if you’re in an area where bears are present you should also consider tying up your food away from camp high up in a tree.  Keeping the food away from your campsite means that if bears do happen to stumble upon your pack, they won’t be feeding where you’re sleeping.

Remember, you’re in their territory.  The best way to protect yourself from pests is simply by enforcing a barrier between your world and theirs: either with clothes, scents, chemicals or by physical location.  With that in the back of your head, the rest of the time can be spent enjoying the outdoors.

About the author: Karen Miller writes and blogs for Terminix Pest Control Offers.  Karen enjoys spending time with her family and going for day hikes when she can find free time away from work and writing.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/03/01/protecting-yourself-from-pests-while-on-the-trail/

Feb 24 2013

Best Snowshoe Trail

Best Trails Worldwide

This post begins a series of Trailsnet articles in which we try to determine the best trails in the world. We’ll start with snowshoe trails in this post and later feature bike trails, cross-country ski trails, hiking trails, running trails, Trikke Trails and more. At the end of each article, you will be encouraged to share your favorite trails. Then we’ll compile them all and start the polling process in late 2013 and into 2014.

couple enjoys snowshoeing on trail

best snowshoe trail

Favorite Snowshoe Trails

I don’t know about where you are, but I’m looking out my window at a wintry wonderland right now. The Coal Creek Trail, behind my house, is covered in snow and, soon, I’ll don my snowshoes and plow trail in the fresh powder.

Although the trail behind my house may not be the best snowshoeing trail in the world, it’s certainly convenient. But this blog-post isn’t about the most convenient trail in the world. It’s about the world’s greatest snowshoe trail. If you’re waiting for me to tell you what it is, you’re going to have to wait until next November. I won’t even compile the list of possible snowshoe trails until at least October. In fact, that’s where you come in. I need your help in coming up with the list of potential winners.

What is Your Favorite Trail for Snowshoeing?

Please leave a comment below with the name (& general location – state, province, town, county – whatever) of your perfect snowshoe trail. This is your chance to promote a hometown favorite trail, hidden gem trail or nationally recognized mega-trail. Just the trail name and location would be fine or, better yet, share a little bit of information about the trail. Feel free to send a link of this blog-post to your friends so they can nominate their favorite trail also.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/02/24/best-snowshoe-trail/

Feb 22 2013

The Best Backcountry Biking Trails In The French Alps

Alpine riding - Amit

License: Creative Commons image source

The French Alps have some of the best spots for mountain biking anywhere in Europe. The combination of easy and challenging trails means that the area has something to offer for both beginners and experienced riders. In addition to the trails, there is stunning scenery to be enjoyed while riding, making this an ideal place for mountain biking.

Popular areas

A very popular area for mountain biking is Morzine. Located in Haute-Savoie, this area has stunning panoramic views and is considered by some to be the best area for mountain biking in the world. The resort of Les Gets is situated in this area, which hosts several mountain biking events. Morzine is one of the largest biking areas in Europe, with approximately 1000km of trails.

The area of Chamonix is also popular with mountain bikers. There are biking trails which are suitable for all abilities, as well as a downhill run which is exclusively for bikers. There are approximately 20 trails in this area, which pass through villages such as Chamonix Mont-Blanc and Vallorcine. There are lifts and shuttle buses available here, so the trails can be easily accessed.

Untitled

License: Creative Commons image source

A relatively undiscovered area for mountain biking is Les Carroz. This location is part of the Grand Massif area, which is a large ski resort. The trails in Les Carroz cover more than 600km in total, with beautiful alpine scenery. This area may be less crowded than the more well known biking destinations, but it is only a short distance from Morzine and Chamonix. For a challenging ride, there is route from Les Carroz to Chamonix, which normally takes 8 days to complete.

Events

Mountain biking events that are held at Les Gets include the Big Mountain Battle. This is a team event which is open to all abilities, with the choice of taking the easy course or the advanced course. Les Gets also hosts La pass’portes du Soleil VTT (vélo tout-terrain), which is a mountain biking trek completed over one day. Further information on the mountain biking events can be found at www.lesgets.com, the official website for the Les Gets resort.

There is an annual VTT event hosted in Les Carroz, usually in July or August. This is a competitive biking event that often attracts more than 2000 riders. The website www.lescarroz.com has further information on the event and how to register.

Chatel, which is located in the Haute-Savoie area, has held biking events such as the downhill European cup and the Chatel Mountain Style contest. The Mountain Style event is currently being developed with a possible change of format being considered. Updates can be found at chatelmountainstyle.com, the official website for the event.

The trails

The French Alps are considered to be one of the best areas in the world for mountain biking. New mountain biking routes are being opened each year, due to the increasing popularity of the sport. The lift systems allow bikers to explore a variety of different terrains, with a mixture of downhill and cross country trails. The marked trails are also colour graded according to difficulty.

It is possible to explore the backcountry trails with an experienced guide. This option may be an ideal solution for those who want to explore the trails that are less well known. For those who wish to explore alone, maps and route cards are available.

The vast choice of trails in the French Alps means that there is something to suit all experience levels and abilities.

John is a feature writer working in France.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/02/22/the-best-backcountry-biking-trails-in-the-french-alps/

Feb 20 2013

ARK Trail in Mississippi

Mississippi Nature Trail

interpretive trail sign

informative sign w/ extra L

Today’s featured Trailsnet Trail is the Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail in Mississippi. Just added this week, the ARK Trail falls into the “short but sweet” category. Located on a wildlife sanctuary just west of Hernando, MS. Although only two miles long, the trail and surrounding area features interpretive signs listing area wildlife, tree identification markers and an outdoor amphitheater for group gatherings.

This Mississippi hiking trail is open year-round and is great for lake viewing, swamp scenery, forest study, fall-foliage tours and wildlife spotting.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/02/20/ark-trail-in-mississippi/